UNCTAD Multi-Year Expert Meeting on Commodities

and Development 2013 Recent developments and new challenges in commodity markets, and policy options for commodity-based inclusive growth and sustainable development

Room XXVI Palais des Nations

Geneva, Switzerland

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

(ASTT)

by

Dhano Sookoo, President, ASTT

20 MARCH 2013

This material has been reproduced in the language and form as it was provided. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of UNCTAD.

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

OF

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

(ASTT)

Mrs. Dhano SOOKOO PRESIDENT OF ASTT, from 2008 TO PRESENT

UMBRELLA

OUR PURPOSE

To collaborate with the Government and all institutions to influence policies for the development of a sustainable agriculture sector for our country and all its people.

To represent the farming community advocating for the enhancement and development of the agriculture sector in Trinidad and Tobago.

Ministry of food production food action plan

Aligning the framework to achieve the production targets within this plan

Strong advocacy

Strong advocacy

ASTT FACILITATES CONSULTATION BETWEEN FARMERS AND THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TO DEVELOP COMPREHENSIVE POLICIES

AND PROGRAMMES FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

ASTT’S CONSULTION WITH AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK TO REDUCE INTEREST RATES FOR FARMERS.

Strategic intervention: access to financing

• The Agricultural Development Bank in partnership with the Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago implemented the Reaping Opportunities Loan (ROL) in order to assist farmers who are less fortunate.

• The ceiling of this loan is fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00)

FARMERS VOICE IN THE NATIONAL BUDGET

AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK: MOBILE BANKING FACILITY

THANK YOU!